Saturday, May 28, 2011

How Do I Choose Collision Coverage?



Virtual Insurance Advisor explains how collision coverage works for a personal auto insurance policy and how to decide the right coverage for your vehicles.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

"At Corby's Collision ~ We Care!"


Corby's Collision has been in business for 47 years in Vacaville, California. Current Owner, Paul Troutner, took over the company in November of 1993. They moved the business to the current 9,000 square foot facility in 1998.


Paul was born and raised in Fairfield, California but, because of his love for the town of Vacaville he moved his family there in 2000. Paul has not only come to love the town but, the people who live there as well and is on a "first name" basis with most of Corby's customers.

When you do business with Corby's Collision you will not only deal with their qualified and professional staff but, also with Paul himself. He is an Owner/Operator and likes to be "hands on" with everything that goes in and out of the shop.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Tips For Increasing Your Gas Mileage




Increasing Your Gas Mileage
At a time when gas prices are high and there does not seem to be any sign that they will ever come down, you want to make use of any tips for increasing your gas mileage that you can get your hands on. Here is a list that you can implement immediately to save on gas.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

How To Love Your Car



Ways to jazz up spruce up and clean up your wheels.

To the office from Monday to Friday, to the supermarket and the beach on weekends, all over the island in search of good food whenever the mood strikes, and cross the borders for a holiday... your car is such an integral part of your daily life, it's almost part of the family.

Give your car lots of TLC to keep it in tip top condition - that's your key to happy partnerships! Here's what you can do.

Car wash

• Wash your car at least once a week to remove surface dirt like dust, mud, grease spots and bird droppings. If the contaminants are not removed quickly, they can stick to the paintwork permanently. Wash and rinse one section at a time, working from top to bottom.

• Never substitute car-washing products for dishwashing liquid or household cleaners. The latter are likely to be too harsh and contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives that can strip off the wax and damage the paintwork.

• Wash your car in a shaded area or during the cooler parts of the day like early morning or late afternoon. Washing in the hot sun may cause uneven drying, which can leave residue and streaks on your car. After the final rinse, wipe away excess water with a clean terry cloth to prevent watermarks from forming.

• Wax your car at least twice a year to protect it from damage and to maintain color and shine. Waxing helps remove paint oxidation and surface dirt, while adding a protective coating. It can play down or remove minor damage such as surface scratches and light contamination, and provide a high-luster finish.

Tires

• Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflation increases heat built-up in the tires, causing them to wear out more on the outside and shorten their lifespan. Over-inflation causes tires to expand more than needed, and also wear them out in the center.

• Each tires wears out a different rate as each supports a different weigh. Tyre rotation should be done every 7,000 to 8,000 km to achieve even tread wear and maximize tread life. Tires should be balanced whenever they are remounted.

• Look out for the tread wear indicator which shows the tires begin to wear out. These lines become visible at approximately 1.5mm below the tire surface - a sign that it's time to change tires.

• Maintain car tires at the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Some marques will even advise a different level for front and back tires, and if the car is carrying a heavy load or doing a long distance journey. The spare tire has a lower recommended pressure than the main tires.

Car battery

• The car battery starts the engine when you turn on the ignition. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over to supply the car's electrical needs while restoring the charge to the battery. Prolong the life of your battery by getting into the habit of turning off all the lights. Heated rear window and radio before you switch off the car engine.

• To check the condition of your car battery, look for signs of cracks and other physical damage on the battery case and corrosion at the connections of large battery cables. A cracked battery needs to be changed immediately as the electrolyte leaking out is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water.

• Top of the battery with distilled water whenever necessary to ensure that the acid level in each cell is above the plates. If you have a maintenance-free battery, you can skip the battery water, but you still have to check that the battery is secured and the terminals are corrosion-free.

Regular maintenance

• Check the reddish oil puddles under the car as they could mean a leak from either the automatic transmission or power steering systems. The automatic fluid level should not drop below the minimum mark. At should also be clear without any metal filings or black flakes and no burning smell.

• Auto transmission fluid should be changed on schedule; otherwise you will be lubricating your transmission with contaminants. This will shorten the life of your transmission. Transmission fluid doesn't burn up, so if you find the level dropping, it is quite certain there is a leak somewhere.

• To check the level of engine oil, park your car on level ground and wait for at least five minutes after switching off the car engine. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, then replace it and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the maximum mark. If the oil is very black, a complete change may be needed.

• Brake fluid should be replaced at intervals, using the formula recommended by the manufacturer. The fluid must maintain a stable viscosity throughout its operating temperature range. It can absorb moisture and become contaminated. If it id too thick or too thin, braking action is impaired. Keeping clean

• Inspect the windscreen blades whenever you clean your windshield. Don't want until the rubber is worn or brittle to replace them. You need them in good working condition in a heavy downpour. Make sure the windshield washer fluid reservoir is filled.

• Give the floor mats a good shake regularly to remove dried mud, leaves or sand hat may be picked up by passengers' feet. Vacuum frequently to remove dirt from floor carpets and upholstery.

• Spills and stains should be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent stains from setting. Keep a stash of tissue paper and wet wipes handy to clean dirty spots before carrying out serious cleaning later with the right equipment.

• For leather seats, use a leather and conditioner regularly to prevent the leather from cracking. For upholstered seats, use an appropriate cleaning foam or shampoo, followed by a protective layer. Always check for colorfastness first by testing a small patch in an inconspicuous area.

• Keep loose items in a secure place like the glove compartment, side pockets and other cubby holes. If you have ornaments on the dashboard, make sure they are properly secured. Don't turn these objects into projective if you brake suddenly.

Upgrade and improve

• One way to protect your car interior and upholstery while easing the load on the air-conditioner is to put up heat and UV-resistant window film.

• Send your car for a professional grooming package that takes care of the interior as well. It saves you the hassle of getting your hands dirty. Some vehicle workshops even offer deodorizing and sterilizing treatments that get rid of germs and odors.

• If you can feel every bump and hump your car is going over. The shock absorbers might be worn out and need to be replaces. Not only will the ride be more comfortable with new shock absorbers, but the better handling response also means that your car is able to react more quickly in an emergency. Be sure that the installation is done according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

• Car spoilers are aerodynamic additions that are normally mounted on top of a car's trunk or positioned under the front bumper. Spoilers can make a provides a down force for better stability at higher speeds.





Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5286640

Friday, May 13, 2011

Seat Belt Commercial




Why should you wear seat belts

The figures are familiar: 40,000 people die each year in car accidents, the leading cause of death for people under the age of 35. Safety belts can prevent death in about half of these accidents. If you know this and are still not wearing a safety belt, you may need to ask yourself why not. But first, let's look at what happens when a car crashes.

The Human Collision
Imagine running as fast as you can - into a wall. You'd expect to get pretty banged up. Do you think you could stop yourself if the wall suddenly loomed up when you were two feet away from it? This is exactly the situation you face when the front of your car hits something at only 15 miles an hour. The car stops in the first tenth of a second, but you keep on at the same rate you were going in the car until something stops you - the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield - if you're not wearing your safety belt.. Bad enough at 15 miles an hour, but a 30 miles you hit "the wall" four times as hard as you would at 15

Monday, May 9, 2011

Teen Driver Crashes




Allstate Insurance shares teen car crash statistics. The dangers of texting while driving, talking on the phone, and having multiple distractions in the car can all lead to potentially dangerous, life threatening situations, or even fatalities. Staying informed of these risks is a start to becoming a safer driver.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Importance Of Proper Wheel Alignment


Many of us do not realise the importance of proper wheel alignment in our cars. We tend to think that nothing much happens to our tires other than an occasional puncture. Nothing can be further from the truth. It is very important that we regularly get our wheels aligned and I would say it should be done as often as we get the car serviced.

Wheel alignment is making sure that the wheels of the car are perpendicular to the road; also it makes sure that the wheels are parallel to one other

Save Fuel
When the wheels of the car are not aligned, what happens is that there is uneven pressure on the tires. They tend to push against each other. When that happens the car faces uneven friction and much more resistance from the road surface. This means that your car has to work that much harder to move forward and consequently that much more fuel is burned.When you align the wheels properly the there is much less resistance from the road surface. This results in not only a smoother drive but savings in your gas bill.

Caring for your Environment
In today's "Green " world when there is so much talk about saving the environment, and we know that the burning of fossil fuels are a major cause of pollution, this is one way of doing our bit by using a little less fuel.

Cost of new tires
The importance of proper wheel alignment cannot be more emphasized when we calculate the cost of new tires vis-a -vis a little amount spent on getting them aligned.

More resistance to the road surface means more pressure on the rubber of your tires. That leads to very quick wear and tear on the tires. It results in the tire getting bald on one side. This means that the tires are uneven. Not only is it dangerous to drive on uneven tires, it also means that you have to spend on new tires so much quicker.

Many of us think that everything is covered in the warranty of the tire manufacturer. Please take time to read the fine print. No warranty is extended if the tires are kept in a shoddy condition. This is really not a manufacturing defect. It is due to poor maintenance of the tires on our part and it is not fair to hold them responsible.

Safety
It is very important to consider the safety factor too. Have you ever driven a car which pulls itself to one side all the time? This is due to faulty wheel alignment. I am sure you know how difficult it is to drive on a wet road or on a road with thin ice even with perfectly aligned wheels. With badly aligned wheels you are just taking so much more risk. Is it worth having an accident endangering the lives of your family, friends who are with you in the car? A little money spent once in a while getting your wheels aligned brings you so much more peace of mind.

Strain on the car
Having a car with badly aligned wheels also leads to other connected problems. Your brake shaft does not work to optimal levels. The tendency to pull to one side due to uneven tires causes problems in the steering system. It also leads to uneven braking. Improper wheel alignments or not having your wheels aligned will affect the suspension of your car. The suspension in a car is made up of complicated and delicately balanced parts and it is important that it should be perfect. Not to mention that changing your suspension could cost an awful lot.

When should you get your wheels aligned?
If you find that when your steering is pointing straight forward and then the car veers to the right or left. That is an indicator. Another indicator is when you examine your tires you find that one side is worn out more than the other. The thumb rule is that you should get you wheels aligned once every 6000 miles or 6 months whichever is earlier. You should also get your wheels aligned if you have hit something on the road.

Please note that wheel alignment is not the same as wheel balancing. Many people think that both are the same. Many tire retailers will tell you that they are the same thing. Wheel balancing is simply the adjusting the balance between the tire and the rim. It is important not to get confused between the two.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4598619

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

What The Color Of Your Car Says About You

Do you ever wonder why certain ads catch your eye while others don't? Or why you just had to stare as that yellow sports car drove by? Or even why you're wearing the color shirt you are now?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, these reactions are completely normal. Most of us generally accept what entices our minds without giving it a second thought. It all comes down to the fact that color, (yes color) affects us a lot more than we think. In fact, the way we view colors psychologically triggers how we feel and think.

A marketing study dubbed "Color for Impact" reported that "a color ad will be read up to 40% more than a black and white one." Another study concluded that nearly 80% of first impressions are based solely on reaction to color.

What does all of this mean to you? Think of your car in the same sense as a mood ring. Color might be more significant than just an outer coat of paint. Would you change the color of your car if you knew it meant you were less likely to get a speeding ticket? Or have fewer accidents?

Let's look in detail at the significance of each car color choice:

Yellow - is said to excite the eyes and stimulate the brain. Pro: A yellow car will likely draw the most attention. Con: Yellow can be distracting. Too much can irritate some.

Blue - is said to cool or calm the senses. Pro: It is also associated with trust and stability (mainly in men). Con: Some blues are associated with sadness.

Green - is said to have strong emotional correspondence with safety. Pro: Some claim that during the period of owning a green car, they never had an accident. Con: Too much green can be unpleasant to some.

Silver/Grey - is considered the safest and most neutral of vehicle colors. Pro: it can catch your eye from anywhere on a sunny day (especially with a metallic finish). Con: in drab weather, you may blend in with the pavement and sky lowering your visibility.

White - is mostly associated with safety and purity. Pro: It is said to be the most widely accepted of car colors. Con: Many people believe that white cars will need to become dirty faster than cars of other colors, although this is disputed.

Red - is associated with aggressive energy. Pro: Red is a vibrant color that catches attention. Con: It has been generally associated with speed and recklessness.

Orange - has very high visibility, so you can use it to catch attention. Pro: Like yellow it excites the mind and has the energy of red. Con: Also like yellow, orange can be overwhelming. Also, it is among the least popular vehicle colors.

Black - is said to be mysterious and sleek. Black complements the night. Pro: Black is associated with elegance and style. Con: Black has low visibility and the highest crash rating of all colors.

Purple - is said to have the stability of blue with the energy of red. This attracts the mind. Pro: It is said that purple represents independence and adventure. Con: In some cultures, purple is associated with femininity and may not be a popular choice for men.

In addition, a study conducted by The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) reported that white cars were statically significant in having the lowest crash risk in any condition. Black cars had a 12% higher crash risk then white. Silver cars had an 11% higher crash risk. Lastly red and blue cars rated a 7% higher crash risk than white cars by the MUARC.

Color affects us on a conscious and sub-conscious level everyday in almost everyway. From the color of clothes we wear to the color of cars we drive, we are perpetually and usually inadvertently flooding unknown signals into our everyday environments. Maybe next time you purchase a vehicle, you'll think twice about the color.





Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3932257